Cowl neck knit dress- free pattern

After my last project – the Porn Blouse – I decided to return to using knit fabrics – easier to fit. Ah ha, yes, but not necessarily easier to sew.

Awkward Vogue style pose

I found this great FREE pattern submitted by a member on Burda. Although the lady in question is considerably smaller than me, I downloaded the pattern and upgraded it to my size as best I could by letting it out at the sides, bust and hip, but trying to keep the shoulder width only a little larger. I also made it a few inches longer – I’m probably twice her age!

Another remnant bin find this week – a grey knit fabric. It’s quite firm and thick so I hoped it could be close-fitting but hide a few of the lumps and bumps – I don’t like to show my undies. Total cost $6.75.

Making up was super quick and easy – just a front and a back, and a small facing for the back neckline. But then it all started to go wrong – my machine got hungry and started to eat the fabric! I was trying to finish off the arm holes by turning and top stitching but the fabric kept being caught up or the thread kept breaking – it took me the best part of two hours of unpicking and redoing to finish those and I’m still unhappy with the state of the stitches.

But what really drove me mad was the hem – I have no idea why but again I turned and tried to stitch a straight hem and the machine and fabric went to war against each other. Either the machine would eat the fabric and tear holes in it or it would refuse to stitch altogether – the needle would go up and down in the fabric but the stitches just didn’t catch. Arrgghhh.

In the end the bottom of the fabric was so destroyed by it all, that I just cut it off and had an unfinshed hem – and actually I really like it! It’s lightweight, smooth, doesn’t ravel despite being through the washer several times. So an unlikely success in the end.

The dress is close fitting and I think quite flattering – I love the cowl neckline and the super smooth look with just the two side seams. Not something I would wear everyday – not for my ‘fat’ days. But I certainly recommend giving this pattern a try.

The knit fabric really got the best of me this time. That’s it – I’ve decided. I’m signing up for another Craftsy course - Sewing with Knits. I’m really keen to master this fabric because I like the way it is so much easier to fit than a woven fabric. Fitted t-shirts – here I come !

Anyone want to sign up and learn with me? We can share our tips and tricks and be sewing buddies…

36 Responses to Cowl neck knit dress- free pattern

I’ve never had an interest in learning to sew. Sure, I wish someone would zap me and I’d suddenly have the skill, but actually going through the motions to learn sounds like hard work. Found your blog through Moms Make Money and, if I read correctly that you didn’t know how to sew when you started this blog, wow! Very impressive! And this dress makes me want to sew. SO cute. Could see it in so many different materials. Florals or fun patterns make this a cute sundress! I like that it can be casual and dressy.

I feel the same about playing the piano. I really really wish I could play the piano – but I haven’t got the time to learn it. I just want to be able to play by magic and have the skill already ‘downloaded’ to my brain hard drive! Wouldn’t it be great to be able to order skills ready learned that way!

I made your fitted skirt yesterday, now I’ve just finished this one today. Fitted lovely, although it started as a dress and became a top (which was always an option) because the skirt part was a bit tight for the fabric I used. Top looks great and I think I’ll make another one, but try different fabric next time. Thanks again!

Love the dress and considering the problems it came out looking really good. I wonder, were you using blunt needles for knits in your machine? I could see sharp needles causing the problems you describe.

Hi Catherine – yes, I was using the correct needle, but the fabric turned over on itself to hem at the bottom, and around the armholes just wasn’t stable enough. Now I have been following the Sewing with Knits course, I know all about the various methods to stabilize a hem and I;m sure I’ll never have these problems again.

I love the dress! I have also purchased the Sewing with Knits course on Craftsy but have had trouble watching it because the teacher seems so unsure of herself so I’ve only gotten to the supplies section. Does it get better especially when she is working on the patterns? I really want to learn to sew knits and like you said I tend to think I can run before I’ve mastered walking. By the way I read the post that you just put up for the trousers and I am going to have to make a pair for myself because they are beautiful!! I’m tall so I always have problems finding dress pants that fit and don’t cost a fortune. Thanks for such a wonderful blog. You’ve got a new follower here!! Have blessed day:)

Hi Maureen, I found the course especially useful because I am such a beginner so the very slow pace suited me perfectly. But I agree the instructor is not a professional presenter – but she is excellent at sewing. I’m sure if someone put me in front of the camera, even on a subject I was expert on, I would seem more than a little faltering! So I appreciate what she is doing, and feel for her that this sort of thing must be difficult. We all hide behind our blogs and our online business, so suddenly stepping out in front of the camera and all those thousands watching must be very nerve-racking! Stick with it – she has some great stuff to share!

On this one I tried EVERYTHING ! But now I’ve joined the Sewing with Knits course I have learned there are SO many options and ways to do it. Different stitches, twin needles, different types of tapes and all sorts. I never think I’ll have a problem again with all these new skills in my virtual sewing box.
I’m currently working on the first project – A fleece hoodie – it’s going just great! Will be on the blog soon.

Very cute dress, I think I may have to try it. I have a pile of knit begging to be something.
A little bit of advice, your machine may have a thread/lint jam in the bobbin case. This happens to me, and it just takes a quick cleaning and we are back on a roll. Hope you enjoy your class.

I just had an email from Craftsy to say the Sewing with Knits class is half price – but only for the next 8 hours. Sign up quickly if you want to take part and take advantage of this excellent saving ! (5 Feb)

I always run before I can walk – my ambition is always greater than my skill! But I’m loving the Sewing with Knits course – working on my Fleece Hoodie – all the patterns are included free with the course. I’ll have it finished ready to post for next week. The Craftsy course is on special offer right now with $10 off. I highly recommend it – I have learned SO much before I even set a needle to fabric.

Welcome, I’m Deby

I've just recently started to be interested in sewing, and with the help of so many generous bloggers and websites like Craftsy, I've quickly progressed and enjoy making my own clothes, bags and more.
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